How To Go Back To School After Unemployment

Getting laid off is a stressful time of life for any individual who has been in the workforce for years. Not only do you have to learn how to go back to school, how to learn again, and changing your current lifestyle by not having that bi-weekly paycheck. It requires a re-evaluation of the current career and sometimes even finding a new career path. With the unemployment rate looming around 8 percent nationwide, it’s no mystery that many people are seeking a new avenue for professional success. If you find yourself in this situation, going back to school has become an option for many.

Statistical Data

The number of men and women who are going back to college, taking technical courses or getting new certifications for their career has increased as more men and women are laid off. The enrollment rates in colleges have increased at a dramatic rate based on unemployment statistics.

According to USA Today, some community colleges in areas with a higher unemployment rate have seen enrollment rate increase by an average of 27 percent as compared to the normal two percent of years prior to the economic crisis. As community colleges have offered adult courses, specialized training and new certification for those who are looking for new employment, the number of students who are taking courses after being laid off have dramatically increased.

Making the Decision

Making the decision to go back to school is the first part of getting back on a career path. It is not always easy to make a decision, but a few key factors can play a role in going back to school after losing a job.

A key factor is learning new job skills. Schools are offering technical programs, certifications and short courses that teach specific job skills that might help obtain a different type of employment.

Changing to a new career is another potential reason to go back to school. Those who have been laid off from a job field that has resulted in many losses will often need to find a new career path.

Improving marketability is another potential reason to go back to school after being laid off. Those who have a college education and do not necessarily want to completely change a career might opt for further training or getting a specialized certification that improves the chances of getting a new job in the same field.

Obtaining Financing

Financing is one of the number one concerns for adult students returning to college. Fortunately, many states offer scholarships and grants to help pay for tuition costs. Beyond the state solutions, men and women can look into scholarships available directly through the college or technical school.

When scholarships or grants are limited, taking out a student loan will also provide financing. Depending on the expense of the college, the amount of the loan will vary.

Learning to Study: How to Go Back to School

Going back to college years after finishing school often means learning how to study again. Fortunately, learning to study is not as hard as it might seem. Studying will require setting aside time to read the material and take notes on the book, but it is not difficult. Each individual studies differently, but it is usually best to eliminate distractions and focus on reading materials.

Going back to school is a decision that takes some time, but ultimately can lead to a rewarding future. Colleges and universities offer an opportunity to learn new skills, improve professional opportunities, refines social and communication skills, and more.

About Allison Freeland

Allie Freeland is the Editor-in-Chief of CollegeOnline.org. She has been a professional writer for a decade and received her bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Minnesota. She brings a wealth of information about higher education, online degrees, college life, and career advice. Follow her on G+.